Current Affairs Dec 2, 2023

National news:

1. “Government Convenes All-Party Meeting Ahead of Winter Session, Focus on Smooth Parliament Functioning”

• The government calls an all-party meeting on December 2, 2023, in New Delhi.
• Aim is to ensure the smooth functioning of both Houses during the Winter Session of Parliament.
• Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, to lead the meeting with floor leaders of political parties.
• The Winter Session is scheduled to commence on December 4 and conclude on December 22, with 15 sittings over 19 days.

2.”Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Unveils 2023 Ground Water Assessment: 11.48 BCM Increase in Recharge, Improvement in 226 Units”

• Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, releases the ‘Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for 2023.’
• The total annual ground water recharge in India for 2023 is 449.08 BCM, indicating an increase of 11.48 BCM from 2022.
• Annual ground water extraction for the country is reported at 241.34 BCM.
• Out of 6553 assessment units, 736 are categorized as ‘over-exploited.’
• Improvement noted in ground water conditions in 226 assessment units compared to the 2022 data.
• Overall decrease in the number of over-exploited units and a reduction in the stage of groundwater extraction levels observed.
• The assessment, conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), States, and UTs, aims to guide interventions by stakeholders.

3.”Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Promotes Bio-methanation: Targets 15,000 TPD Plants by 2026″

• Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, advocates active encouragement of Bio-methanation Plants with a cumulative capacity of 15,000 tonnes per day.
• Puri highlights the significant progress in municipal solid waste reprocessing, increasing from 17% in 2014 to 76%.
• India generates 50 million metric tonnes of solid waste annually, with projections of tripling in the coming years due to sustainable economic growth.
• Landfill remediation efforts have led to the remediation of 329 dump sites, reducing over 426 lakh metric tonnes of solid waste.
• The government is actively promoting Bio-methanation Plants and has approved an action plan for 55 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants with a total capacity of 6,121 tonnes per day.
• The SBM-GOBARdhan Biogas Conference focuses on ‘Accelerating Waste to Wealth & Circular Economy,’ part of the SBM-U 2.0 initiative for a garbage-free urban India.
• The target is to establish 15,000 TPD Bio-CBG plants by 2026 to contribute to India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Budget 2023 allocates funds for 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under the GOBARdhan scheme, including 200 compressed biogas plants and 300 community-based plants with a total investment of 10,000 crore rupees.

4. “NCMC Chaired by Cabinet Secretary Gauba Reviews Cyclone ‘Michaung’ Preparedness in Bay of Bengal”

• National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba meets to review preparedness for impending cyclone ‘Michaung’ in the Bay of Bengal.
• The review includes preparedness measures of central agencies and the governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry.
• Cabinet Secretary emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to minimize loss of lives, property damage, and infrastructure damage.
• The focus is on ensuring the safe return of fishermen at sea and ensuring the safety of manpower in oil rigs and vessels.
• Central agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have teams and resources ready for assistance.
• NDRF has deployed 18 teams to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry, with 10 additional teams on standby.
• Coast Guard, Army, and Navy have rescue and relief teams, along with ships and aircraft, ready for deployment.
• States provide updates on preparatory measures, urging fishermen to stay ashore, and ensuring shelters, power supply, medicine, and emergency services are ready.
• The Director General of the India Meteorological Department briefs the committee on the current status of cyclone ‘Michaung,’ expected to intensify into a Cyclonic Storm over the Southwest Bay of Bengal by December 3rd and make landfall near south Andhra Pradesh and north Tamil Nadu coasts by December 5th.

5.”Codex Alimentarius Endorses India’s Proposal for Global Millet Standards”

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission, a UN food safety body, has praised and accepted India’s proposal for global standards on millets during its 46th session in Rome.
• India’s comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets, specifying 8 quality parameters, received applause at the international meet.
• The endorsed proposal includes standards for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet as group standards, similar to pulses.
• India will now initiate work on the submission of project documents and the development of draft standards for millets.
• Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, congratulated the Indian delegation, highlighting India’s pivotal role in promoting millets and their benefits globally.
• The endorsement coincides with the celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, further emphasizing the significance of India’s proposal.

6. “IMD Forecasts Above-Normal Minimum Temperatures and Rainfall for Winter 2023-24”

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-normal minimum temperatures across most parts of the country during the upcoming winter season (December 2023 to February 2024).
• Above-normal maximum temperatures are anticipated for most regions, except certain areas in central and northwest India.
• The intensity and frequency of cold waves during the winter season are expected to be below normal, according to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD.
• Above-normal rainfall activity is forecasted for December, particularly over northwest India, adjoining areas of central India, and some parts of extreme south peninsular India.
• The rainfall forecast is considered beneficial for Rabi crops, as mentioned by Mr. Mohapatra.
• The IMD’s projections provide valuable insights for farmers and the public to prepare for the upcoming winter conditions.

7. “India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership Launched at COP28 for Green Industrial Revolution”

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson unveiled the India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership under the broader framework of LeadIT 2.0 at COP28 in Dubai.
• LeadIT, initiated in 2019, involves 18 countries and 20 industry-leading companies, focusing on industry transition and knowledge sharing for sectors like iron, steel, cement, and aluminum.
• The partnership, part of the global commitment to achieving Global Net Zero, emphasizes the crucial role of government-industry collaboration in advancing sustainable practices.
• LeadIT 2.0 intensifies commitments in three core areas: Inclusive and Just Industry Transition, Low Carbon Technology Development and Transfer, and Emerging Economy Technology Transfer.
• The India-Sweden Industry Transition Partnership addresses challenges in heavy-emitting industries, focusing on sectors like iron, steel, cement, and aluminum.
• The collaboration aims to implement and spread new technologies, including fossil-free steel, electrofuels, critical raw materials, and eco-friendly car batteries, fostering economic growth and job creation.
• The initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of international collaboration in addressing industry transition challenges and promoting a more sustainable global future.

Swedon

Capital – Stockholm

Currency – Krona 

Language – Chinese

Prime minister – Su Tseng chang 

8. “GST Collection for November Reaches Record Rs 1.68 Lakh Crore, 15% YoY Growth”

• Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue for November 2023 is approximately Rs 1.68 lakh crore, marking a 15% increase compared to the same month last year.
• The November collection is the highest year-on-year for any month in the current financial year.
• Components of the total GST revenue include CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) at Rs 30,420 crore, SGST (State Goods and Services Tax) at Rs 38,226 crore, IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) at around Rs 87,000 crore, and cess at Rs 12,274 crore.
• This marks the sixth instance in the current financial year (2023-24) that gross GST collection has surpassed the Rs 1.60 lakh crore mark.
• The overall GST collection for the financial year 2023-24, up to November, is higher by 11.9% compared to the same period in the previous year.
• The Finance Ministry released this information in a statement, highlighting the robust growth in GST revenue during the specified period.

9. “Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi Addresses Media at Navy Day Press Conference, Highlights Maritime Challenges and Achievements”

• Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, addressed the media at the Navy Day Annual Press Conference onboard INS Chennai in Mumbai.
• Navy Day celebrations at Sindhudurg mark the 359th year of completion of the iconic fort built by Maratha Warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1664.
• Vice Admiral Tripathi thanked the state and central governments for their support in making the Navy Day event at Sindhudurg a grand success.
• Emphasized the importance of the maritime domain for the overall well-being of the country and highlighted India’s evolution into a thriving democracy and economic powerhouse.
• Discussed the challenges posed by non-traditional security threats, including maritime terrorism, piracy, IUU fishing, human/arms/drug trafficking, and the need for a fresh paradigm for maritime security.
• Highlighted the Indian Navy’s continuous deployment on Mission Based Deployments, surveillance, and cooperative engagements with friendly foreign countries.
• Noted the increased instances of natural disasters and regional instabilities, necessitating the Indian Navy’s involvement in Non-combatant Evacuation operations (NEO).
• Shared success stories, including the interception and seizure of a narcotics shipment in May 2023 and the initiation of the Agniveer Scheme for youth by the central government in June 2022.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the Navy Day celebrations at Sindhudurg Fort on December 4, 2023.
• Navy Day commemorates “Operation Trident,” the audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War, and is celebrated on December 4 every year.

10. “Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Inaugurates Sahitya Akademi Book Fair in New Delhi”

• Union Minister of State for Culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal, inaugurates the Sahitya Akademi Book Fair in New Delhi.
• Emphasizes the crucial role of books in nation-building, citing the voracious reading habits of the constitution makers.
• Highlights the importance of understanding society through reading various constitutions and significant books, leading to the decision to prioritize equality before liberty in the constitution.
• Stresses that books contribute to culture and character building, enhance decision-making, and play a vital role in making India a developed nation.
• Encourages youth to embrace books and sees the book fair as a significant step toward inspiring the youth.
• The Sahitya Akademi Book Fair will run until the 9th of the month and includes cultural programs and interactions with prominent writers.

11. “PM Modi Commends BSF’s Dedication and Valour on Raising Day”

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praises the Border Security Force (BSF) on their Raising Day.
• In a social media post, PM Modi lauds the BSF’s role as a guardian of the country’s frontiers and acknowledges their dedication and valour.
• Highlights the unwavering spirit of the BSF in protecting the nation and making a mark in their crucial role.
• Expresses appreciation for the BSF’s significant contribution during rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of natural disasters.
• The message underscores the crucial role of the BSF in ensuring the security of the nation and their commitment to both border protection and humanitarian efforts.

12. “Jal Shakti Ministry Organizes Jal Itihas Utsav in New Delhi to Celebrate Water Heritage”

• The Jal Shakti Ministry is hosting the Jal Itihas Utsav in New Delhi to raise awareness about safeguarding water heritage sites and promote tourism.
• The event marks the conclusion of Water Heritage Fortnight celebrated in various districts, focusing on 75 Natural Water Heritage Structures.
• The Utsav also signifies the successful completion of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2023 campaign.
• The initiative aims to create a sense of ownership among the public towards water heritage, emphasizing its significance in community connections.
• The event underscores the central role of water bodies as cherished spaces and highlights their importance for community bonding.

13. “Vice President Inaugurates 5th Global Ayurveda Festival in Thiruvananthapuram”

• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates the 5th edition of the Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• The GAF 2023, from December 1-5, focuses on the theme ‘Emerging Challenges in Healthcare and a Resurgent Ayurveda.’
• The largest-ever conclave on Ayurveda will bring together international practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the impact of Ayurveda in healthcare.
• Dignitaries attending include Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and others.
• Delegations from over 70 countries highlight global recognition of Ayurveda’s relevance in addressing health concerns.
• GAF 2023 features scientific sessions, industry participation, poster presentations, and a National Arogya Fair showcasing medicinal plants and Ayurvedic preparations.
• The event includes India’s first B2B meet on Ayurveda medical tourism, connecting healthcare pioneers with global buyers.
• GAF 2023 offers a free medical camp, specialty clinics, outpatient services, and a ‘Ayurveda Aahar’ food court, emphasizing holistic health practices.
• Kerala

Capital -Thiruvananthapuram.

Chief minister – Pinarayi Vijayan.

Governor – Arif Mohammed Khan.

International news:

14. “US to Impose Visa Bans on Israeli Extremist Settlers Engaged in Violence Against Palestinians”

• The Biden administration informs Israel of its intention to impose visa bans on Israeli extremist settlers involved in violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank.
• The decision comes in response to rising concerns over violence in the West Bank, and the US has repeatedly expressed its worries regarding the situation.
• A senior State Department official confirms that visa bans will be implemented in the coming weeks.
• Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy condemns vigilantism, hooliganism, or attempts by individuals to take the law into their own hands, emphasizing Israel’s firm stance against such actions.

15. “UAE Commits Record $30 Billion to Climate Action at COP28”

• The United Arab Emirates, as COP28 Presidency, announces an unprecedented commitment of $30 billion to ALTÉRRA, a climate-focused investment vehicle.
• ALTÉRRA aims to revolutionize international climate finance with a focus on equitable access for the Global South.
• The $30 billion pledge makes ALTÉRRA the world’s largest private investment vehicle dedicated to climate action.
• ALTÉRRA has a targeted mobilization of $250 billion globally by 2030, directing private markets towards climate investments.
• The initiative aims to bring transformative change to emerging markets and developing economies facing higher risks for traditional investments.
• COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber describes the launch of ALTÉRRA as a defining moment and emphasizes its role in creating a multiplier effect in climate-focused investment.

16. “India and Nepal Review Development Projects, Deliberate on Future Collaboration”

• The Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal, hold a Projects Portfolio Performance Review Meeting.
• Discussions focus on ongoing projects in various sectors under the India-Nepal development cooperation framework, including Grant assistance and Lines of Credit.
• Deliberations also cover potential sectors for future collaboration between India and Nepal.
• Ambassador Naveen Srivastava highlights India’s robust development cooperation with Nepal and expresses commitment to supporting Nepal’s priorities.
• Finance Minister of Nepal, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, appreciates India’s development support and emphasizes its significance in advancing Nepal’s developmental efforts.
• India is the largest and most prominent development partner of Nepal, with a history of collaboration dating back to 1951.
• Nepal

Capital – Kathmandu

Currency – Rupee

Language – Nepali

Prime Minister – K P Oli Sharma

17. “COP28 Commences in Dubai: Global Leaders Set Ambitious Climate Goals”

• The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UNFCCC has begun in Dubai, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and climate experts from 198 nations.
• The conference focuses on three pillars: industrial decarbonization, a just transition to green energy, and fostering innovation for effective climate action.
• Outgoing COP27 President Sameh Shoukry reflects on achievements but expresses concerns over decreasing climate finance, expanding fossil fuel production, and gaps in renewable energy efforts.
• Incoming COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber sets ambitious goals, emphasizing a paradigm shift, global stocktake, collective responsibility, and innovative approaches to address climate challenges.
• The conference is expected to deliver renewed commitment to Paris Agreement goals, a comprehensive global stocktake, increased climate finance, accelerated adaptation efforts, and collaboration on innovative climate solutions.

Important day:

18. “World AIDS Day: Global Observance to Unite Against HIV”

• World AIDS Day is observed today, providing an opportunity for global unity in the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• The theme for World AIDS Day 2023 is “Let Communities Lead.”
• The day is dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and improving understanding of HIV as a global public health issue.
• According to the World Health Organization, there were 39 million people living with HIV worldwide, and over 630,000 people died of HIV-related illnesses last year.
• World AIDS Day serves as a platform to show support for those living with HIV and to emphasize the importance of community-led efforts in combating the virus.

Sports:

19. “Priyanshu Rajawat to Clash with Alwai Farhan in Syed Modi Badminton Quarter-Finals”

• India’s Priyanshu Rajawat is set to face Indonesia’s Alwai Farhan in the men’s singles quarter-final match at the Syed Modi India International badminton tournament in Lucknow.
• The Syed Modi International Tournament 2023, which began on November 28, is ongoing at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow.
• In another quarter-final match, the women’s doubles event will feature an all-Indian clash between the duos of Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, and Tanisha Crasto, Ashwini Ponnappa.
• The tournament will conclude on December 3, showcasing competitive badminton action with international participation.